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We Offer:

The Players Studio has classes for children as young as three years old through adult. There is a variety of classes offering instruction in Acting, Singing, and Dancing for all levels of experience. We also offer a variety of workshops to refine your skills.

A group of talented youth ranging from ages 7-17 that audition to be a part of this performing group. The Players Kids represent The Players Studio at community events, public appearances, and in a staged production.

The Players Follies, a 50+ performing troupe, represent The Players Theatre at community events, public appearances, a play reading on The Players Cabaret stage, and in a staged production. This troupe is an outlet for performers to gain camaraderie, support, and have the chance to express themselves theatrically.

The Players Flash Tappers is an advanced adult group, age 18 and up, whose main focus is technique, style, precision and skill. The group will perform at community events, public appearances and a show in the Spring.

Auditions for The Players Teens will be held Tuesday, August 21, 2018 at 5pm under the direction of Amanda Heisey. Students between the ages of 12-17 should come prepared with a 1 minute monologue. Upon acceptance in The Players Teens, students must register in a class of choice as well as attend regularly scheduled Tuesday evening rehearsals. A $150 annual fee includes rehearsal time and a limited edition tee shirt. Limited absences are allowed.

THE PLAYERS DANCE COMPANY Auditions for The Players Dance Company will be held Tuesday, August 21, 2018 under the direction of Logan Junkins and Brian Finnerty. Students ages 12 through 18 should arrive 15 minutes prior to the audition time. Please wear a leotard and tights with dance shorts, and hair in a bun with bangs off your face. Bring ballet and jazz shoes. Upon acceptance into The Players Dance Company students must register in the appropriate ballet, jazz and company class under the guidance of the directors. Limited absences are allowed. Company class will meet weekly on Tuesdays from 5-7pm. The Players Dance Company will attend dance competitions within the state.

Jolie Schroeder, Director of Operations, joined The Players during the summer of 1996. Ms. Schroeder is responsible for office operations and procedures for the box office as well as supervising all aspects of The Players Studio, including establishing curriculum, hiring instructors, coordinating community events, and overseeing performance groups. She is very proud of the accomplishments of The Players Kids, most recently a High Gold Award for their performance of “Freak Flag” from Shrek the Musical. A Sarasota resident since 1986, Ms Schroeder has 23 years of experience in the operations of performing arts businesses. school@theplayers.org

Youth Acting (ages 8-12) Saturday 12:00-1:00Instructor: Amanda Heisey Monthly Fee: $55 A class to help students understand the history of theatre, develop characters and understand context while enhancing concentration and memorization skills, as well as working on scenes, monologues and how to properly audition.

On Camera Acting (ages 12-18) Thursday 5:00-6:00Instructor: Amanda Heisey Monthly Fee: $55 Learn the basics of film acting including auditioning, and how to understand a script from the actor’s perspective and use it on camera. From pre-production to production, to filming a short film this fun-filled class is full of information. Come ready to learn and perform!

Home School Musical Theatre(ages 8-15) Tuesday 10:30-12:00Instructor: Logan Junkins Monthly Fee: $75 This class, specifically designed for the home school student, teaches acting, singing, and musical theatre dance.

Home School Jazz Dance (ages 8-15) Tuesday 12:30-1:30Instructor: Logan Junkins Monthly Fee: $55 Enjoy this upbeat class specifically designed for the home school student teaching all the basics of jazz.

Home School Tap Dance (ages 8-15) Tuesday 1:45-2:45Instructor: Logan Junkins Monthly Fee: $55 Enjoy this fun high energy class designed for the home school student teaching all the basics of tap.

Youth Singing (ages 8-12) Wednesday 5:00-6:00Instructor: Berry Ayers OR Saturday 1:00-2:00 Monthly Fee: $55 Students will focus on songs for the stage while strengthening their voices and gaining the ability to take their voices to the next level.

Teen Singing (ages 13-17) Saturday 12:00-1:00Instructor: Berry Ayers Monthly Fee: $55 A class focusing on songs for the stage designed to help students develop a more effective vocal instrument and build a musical foundation.

Teen/Adult Singing (ages 13-adult) Wednesday 6:00-7:00Instructor: Berry Ayers Monthly Fee: $55 A class focusing on songs for the stage designed to help students develop a more effective vocal instrument and build a musical foundation.

Playwriting (ages 18-adult) Saturday 2:00-4:00pmInstructor: Jeffery Kin Workshop Fee $120 In this three-part class there will be a focus on the art of writing short plays (1-10 minutes) utilizing our experiences and interests. Play structure will be taught, with an emphasis on harnessing emotions and ideas that drive a well written and producible play. A basic kowledge of theater and plays is expected. No previous playwriting experience is necessary (but always welcomed!)October 13, October 27 & November 10, 2018

Stage Make-Up (ages 13-adult) Monday 5:00-6:30pmInstructor: Miranda Becker Workshop Fee: $150 This six-week tutorial, with required Stage Make-Up Kit purchase (included in workshop fee), will take you through various stages of make-up application and techniques. From “Basic Day Face” to “Stage Beauty,” “Theatrical Old Age” to “Whimsical Fairy,” learn how to look your best for special occasions and everyday!January 28, February 4, 11, 25, March 4 & 11, 2019Students must register by January 15, 2019This workshops takes place at The Players Centre for Performing Arts

Work Your Monologue (ages 16-adult) Monday 6:00-7:00pmInstructor: Jeffery Kin Workshop Fee $45 Choosing the right monologue for an audition is important. How you perform it is even MORE important. Are you making the right choices with your audition material? Get the coaching you need, and learn from watching your classmates in this class that will make you more confident and better prepared for that next audition!April 1, 8, & 15, 2019

THE PLAYERS KIDSAnnual auditions for The Players Kids will be held Saturday, August 25, 2018 at 10am under the direction of Berry Ayers and Alyssa Goudy. The Players Kids represent The Players Studio at community events, public appearances, and in a staged production. Boys and girls ages 7–17 should come prepared with a short (1 minute) song, and wear comfortable clothing for the dance portion. Upon acceptance into The Players Kids, students must register in a minimum of 1 class as well as attend regularly scheduled Saturday morning rehearsals. A $300 annual fee is required which includes a yearly Players Kids shirt and jazz pants. Limited absences are allowed. The Players Kids 2018-2019 will be presenting SHREK Jr. on our stage May 11 & 12, 2019

THE PLAYERS TEENSAuditions for The Players Teens will be held Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018 at 5pm under the direction of Amanda Heisey. Students between the ages of 12-17 should come prepared with a 1 minute monologue. Upon acceptance in The Players Teens, students must register in a class of their choice as well as attend regularly scheduled Tuesday evening rehearsals. A $150 annual fee includes rehearsal time and a limited edition tee shirt. Limited absences are allowed. The Players Teens 2018-2019 will be presenting a play in our Backstage Theatre April 29 & 30, 2019

THE PLAYERS DANCE COMPANYAuditions for The Players Dance Company will be held Tuesday, August 21, 2018 under the direction of Logan Junkins and Brian Finnerty. Students ages 12 though 18 should arrive 15 minutes prior to the audition time. Please wear a leotard and tights with dance shorts, and hair in a bun with bangs off your face. Bring ballet and jazz shoes. Upon acceptance into The Players Dance Company students must register in the appropriate ballet and jazz class under the guidance of the directors. Limited absences are allowed. A $100 monthly fee is required to attend company class. Company class will meet weekly on Tuesdays from 5-7pm. The Players Dance Company will attend dance competitions within the state.

THE PLAYERS FOLLIES Director/Musical Director Berry Ayers Stage Manager Cinda Goeken Join this active and vibrant group! The Players Follies, a 50+ performing troupe, represent The Players Centre at community events, public appearances, a play reading in The Players Backstage, and a staged musical production in March 2019. This troupe is an outlet for performers to gain camaraderie, support, and express themselves theatrically. A $40 monthly fee is required. Rehearsals will take place Tuesday and Thursday from 1pm-3pm First meeting August 21, 2018 at 1pm Play Reading August 23, – October 20, 2018 Performance October 20 Musical Revue October 23 – March 15, 2019 Performance March 15

THE PLAYERS FLASH TAPPERS Auditions for the Players Flash Tappers will be held Monday, August 20, 2018 at 10:30am under the direction of Kay Siebold The Players Flash Tappers is an advanced adult group, age 18 and up, whose main focus is technique, style, precision and skill. The group will perform at community events, public appearances, and perform in a staged production March 15, 2019. Members are required to pay a $40 monthly fee. Members will also be responsible to purchase any necessary costumes. Rehearsals will take place Monday & Friday from 10:30am-12:30pm August 20, 2018 – May 15, 2019

Summer Camps

Let us transform your child’s summer into something magical and rewarding! Learn acting techniques, audition etiquette, singing, dancing and backstage technical elements. These fun and exciting camp mixes lots of laughs, games and field trips. There are two FOUR WEEK camp sessions and ONE WEEK camps offerings to choose from.

Our summer semester is now closed, check back for updates on the summer 2018-19 semester.

Four-Week Camps(For Ages 8-17)

Important Dates

Session Dates TBA

Performances TBA

About the Camp Learn acting techniques, audition etiquette, singing, dancing, and backstage technical elements. This fun and exciting camp mixes lots of laughs, games and field trips.

Supply Fee $30 supply fee per session includes a tee shirt, one field trip and production supplies

Discounts and Financial Assistance*Scholarships are available *Discounts offered for multiple family members Please call for discount information or a financial assistance application

1-Week Mini Camps are limited to 25 students

The Players Kids 2018-19 Auditions

Annual auditions for The Players Kids will be held Saturday, August 25, 2018 at 10am under the direction of Berry Ayers and Alyssa Goudy. The Players Kids represent The Players Studio at community events, public appearances, and in a staged production. Boys and girls ages 7–17 should come prepared with a short (1 minute) song, and wear comfortable clothing for the dance portion. Upon acceptance into The Players Kids, students must register in a minimum of 1 class as well as attend regularly scheduled Saturday morning rehearsals. A $300 annual fee is required which includes a yearly Players Kids shirt and jazz pants.Limited absences are allowed.The Players Kids 2018-2019 will be presentingSHREK Jr. on our stage May 11 & 12, 2019

Upcoming Players Kids Shows

“Skrek Jr.” May 2018

About the Players Kids

The Players Kids represent The Players Studio at community events, public appearances, and in a staged production. It features both boys and girls ages 7 – 17. They also are required to enroll in at least 1 class with The Players Centre. Each student takes a class of choice as well as attends regularly scheduled Saturday morning rehearsals. A $300 annual fee applies plus the cost of costumes and competition. Limited absences are allowed.

THE PLAYERS TEENSAuditions for The Players Teens will be held Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018 at 5pm under the direction of Amanda Heisey. Students between the ages of 12-17 should come prepared with a 1 minute monologue. Upon acceptance in The Players Teens, students must register in a class of their choice as well as attend regularly scheduled Tuesday evening rehearsals. A $150 annual fee includes rehearsal time and a limited edition tee shirt. Limited absences are allowed. The Players Teens 2018-2019 will be presenting a play in our Backstage Theatre April 29 & 30, 2019

THE PLAYERS DANCE COMPANYAuditions for The Players Dance Company will be held Tuesday, August 21, 2018 under the direction of Logan Junkins and Brian Finnerty. Students ages 12 though 18 should arrive 15 minutes prior to the audition time. Please wear a leotard and tights with dance shorts, and hair in a bun with bangs off your face. Bring ballet and jazz shoes. Upon acceptance into The Players Dance Company students must register in the appropriate ballet and jazz class under the guidance of the directors.Limited absences are allowed.A $100 monthly fee is required to attend company class. Company class will meet weekly on Tuesdays from 5-7pm. The Players Dance Company will attend dance competitions within the state.

Director/Musical Director Berry Ayers , Stage Manager Cinda Goeken Join this active and vibrant group! The Players Follies, a 50+ performing troupe, represent The Players Centre at community events, public appearances, a play reading in The Players Backstage, and a staged musical production in March 2019. This troupe is an outlet for performers to gain camaraderie, support, and express themselves theatrically.A $40 monthly fee is required.Rehearsals will take place Tuesday and Thursday from 1pm-3pmFirst meeting August 21, 2018 at 1pmPlay Reading August 23, – October 20, 2018 Performance October 20thMusical Revue October 23 – March 15, 2019 Performance March 15th

Upcoming Events:

The Players Follies Play Reading Festival

October 20

Winning Plays

TBA

Guidelines

Plays should be 1 to 10 minutes in length

Max. number of performers needed to produce this play is 8. Playwrights are asked to delineate if there are multiple roles that can be doubled.

Manuscripts must be typed and bound, with playwrights’ biographies included.

The Players Follies Spring Show

March 15

Want to join The Players Follies?

Director/Musical Director Berry Ayers Stage Manager Cinda Goeken Join this active and vibrant group! The Players Follies, a 50+ performing troupe, represent The Players Centre at community events, public appearances, a play reading in The Players Backstage, and a staged musical production in March 2019. This troupe is an outlet for performers to gain camaraderie, support, and express themselves theatrically.A $40 monthly fee is required.Rehearsals will take place Tuesday and Thursday from 1pm-3pmFirst meeting August 21, 2018 at 1pm Play Reading August 23, – October 20, 2018 Performance October 20th Musical Revue October 23 – March 15, 2019 Performance March 15th

The Flash Tappers

Auditions for the Players Flash Tappers will be held Monday, August 20, 2018 at 10:30am under the direction of Kay Siebold The Players Flash Tappers is an advanced adult group, age 18 and up, whose main focus is technique, style, precision and skill. The group will perform at community events, public appearances, and perform in a staged production March 15, 2019. Members are required to pay a $40 monthly fee. Members will also be responsible to purchase any necessary costumes. Rehearsals will take place Monday & Friday from 10:30am-12:30pm August 20, 2018 – May 15, 2019

PAST SHOWS INCLUDEFUNDRAISER FOR ROB’S RESCUE at Chick-fil-A MEET THE ARCHITECTS at Polo Grill SARASOTA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION for ROB’S RESCUE FUNDRAISER GOT-A-MINUTE FUNDRAISER SEASON ANNOUNCEMENT PARTY at The Concessions TAPFASTIC–ALL ABOUT TAP, three sold-out performances THE SUNCOAST VIEW THE PLAYERS STUDIO END OF YEAR SHOWCASE

Berry Ayers (Studio Artistic Director) attended the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music for Musical Theatre, and has theatre credits including performances Off-Broadway and a National Tour of the musical A Chorus Line. Other professional credits include Titanic, Annie, Forever Plaid and Plaid Tidings, State Fair, Show Boat, Footloose, Urinetown, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, The Full Monty, Anything Goes & Avenue Q, and has performed at The Players in roles such as Albin/Zaza in La Cage Aux Folles and Tito Morelli in Lend Me A Tenor. His Musical Direction works also include The Players acclaimed production of The Who’s Tommy, Seussical; the Musical, Legally Blonde and Footloose. Berry choreographed the sell out performances of A Chorus Line, and directed Applause, Carousel, A Christmas Story, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and several revues for The Players Follies.

Miranda Becker is excited to be with The Players again this year after four years of working as a freelance makeup artist and intern for The Players Make-Up Workshop. She has also worked as makeup designer on numerous shows at The Players such as The Addams Family, Cabaret, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and Cyrano De Burgershack, as well as The Players Kids and summer camp shows.

Brian F. Finnerty is excited to be returning to the educational dance department at The Players Studio! Starting as a competition dancer who traveled America until the age of 16, Brian dove into his love of singing and acting, where he studied at Booker High School’s Visual and Performing Arts Program, then later went on to major in Musical Theatre at Point Park University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts. He has choreographed multiple productions in the area such as; Singin’ in the Rain, Funny Girl, Reefer Madness, Vaudeville’s Dead, Christmas Belles of ’45: An Offensive Radio Play, YANK: A WII Love Story, and is troupe choreographer for Big Red Nose Burlesque. Brian holds scholarships and awards rewarded by Dance Masters of America, Mia Michaels, Sonya Tayeh, and Anthony Morigeratoratto (Operation Tap Inc). Brian looks forward to bringing his teachings to The Players.

Cinda Goeken grew up in Central Illinois and earned a B.F.A. in Drama from Illinois Wesleyan University. After pursuing a professional career in the field of mental health/rehabilitation for many years, she now devotes her time to participating in theatre in the local area, both onstage and behind the scenes as an actor, singer, director, stage manager and crew person. She has been teaching acting and singing fundamentals to students on a one-to-one basis for many years, thus bringing a breadth and depth of knowledge and experience.

Alyssa Goudy is returning for her third year as co-director/choreographer for The Players Kids. She has worked with The Players Summer Camps for many years, as well as designed for Players Kids main stage shows and substituted for several classes. She is the Production Manager for The Players Centre and is frequently Stage Managing and performing for our main stage as well.

Amanda Heisey has been performing since she was a child. She has a Bachelors of Journalism from The University of Missouri and after working for various news outlets finally returned to her passion for the arts. Amanda is Public Relations and Social Media Manager for The Players Centre and acting teacher for The Players Studio. Favorite stage credits include: Linda in Blood Brothers; Magenta in The Rocky Horror Show; Olive in Bullets Over Broadway; Gillian in Bell, Book and Candle; Maggie in Lend Me a Tenor, Placard Girl in Reefer Madness and Cats for Manatee Performing Arts Center.

Logan Junkins is a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Manhattan, New York where he trained in theater dance, voice, and acting. Logan is also trained as a character performer and performed for Sesame Place in Langhorne, PA for 3 years. He toured with the USO, and Sesame Street Live before moving to Sarasota where he has starred in many shows, both on professional and community stages. Logan is proud to be the Head Coach for the multi award winning ASPS Dance Company and The Players Outreach Coordinator.

Jeffery Kin enjoys his time onstage, offstage, backstage and in front of the stage, and finds time for all of these stages as the Artistic Director at The Players Centre. As an actor he has performed such roles as Max in Lend Me A Tenor, Guido in Nine, and Zach in A Chorus Line. As a playwright, his plays have been produced in venues across the country and have won numerous awards. Jeffery holds a BFA in Performance from Otterbein University and is a proud supporter of volunteerism and the fine arts!

Lacey Knispel studied Education and Theatre at the University of South Florida. She currently teaches theatre at Sarasota High School, where she also coaches one of the only local high school improv troupes, “Improv Underground”. She is the director of The Players Studio Summer Mini Camps and she also performs in the area.

Kyle McCraw started dance at age 16 with Ballet Hawaii on scholarship in Honolulu. He fell in love with dance while performing stage musicals. Kyle had a work study scholarship at Debbie Reynolds Dance Studio in Los Angeles, worked for Universal Studio’s Grinchmas Show, and appeared on tv shows such as NBC’s World of Dance and Mobbed. He has also toured and traveled many cities in China.

Mike McManus attended the famed American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. While in Manhattan he studied with many of America’s great dance talents including Henry LaTang, Mary Jane Brown, Charles Kelley, Jerry Ames, and Phil Cook. Mike also had the privilege of taking classes with Patsy Swayze (Patrick Swayze’s Mom) in Houston, Texas. Mike also works at local retirement centers presenting Steven Vincent’s Movement Magic exercise program for seniors.

Cherie Prescod is originally from Antigua a small island in the Caribbean. She started dancing at the age of 10 with the Caribbean Dance Company. This led to scholarships and a move to New York City where Cherie studied with Katherine Dunham School of Dance, Dance Theater of Harlem, Alvin Ailey School of Dance and the Mafata Dance Company. Diagnosed with auto immune issues performing came to an early halt but her love for dance led her to teaching and Choreography. Cherie founded the Red Hook Dance Company for “at risk youth” in Brooklyn, exposing youth to aspects of culture new to them. The company received media attention, Federal Funding and funding from Harry Belafonte. Cherie received a B.S. in Psychology working in the field of Child Protection for 20 years. This class is Cherie’s return to teaching Afro-Caribbean dance, her first love.

Anna Riccardo graduated from Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania in 2004 with a B.S. degree in Business Management and Marketing. While in college, she studied ballet, jazz, creative movement, and acting. She was a dancer with the Emotion Dance Club and also served as choreographer. Anna grew up studying all forms of dance at the Linn McDonald School of Dance in Scranton, PA, where she also served as an assistant teacher. She performed in many full length ballets and participated in a children’s series of shows at the Pocono Playhouse. Since moving to Florida in 2004, she has taught dance in Port Charlotte, Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch.

Kay Siebold has been teaching tap dancing for over thirty years. She owned and operated “K’s Dance Schools” in the states and in Saudi Arabia where she also had the opportunity to teach Arabian Princesses. Kay studied under numerous dancers, and has had award winning competition students, some chosen to perform in TAMPA BAY TAPS faculty show. She has completed both Debbi Dee’s Tap Teacher Intensive Workshops. Kay has appeared in numerous Players productions including The Producers, Seussical, 9 to 5, Dear World, White Christmas, A Christmas Story, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and La Cage Aux Folles to name a few. Kay is currently the Director/Choreographer for The Flash Tappers.